Etching on Arches
USA, 1996
Al Hirschfeld (1903-2003) – American caricaturist
Signed in pencil lower right ‘HIRSCHFELD’
Numbered in pencil lower left ‘30/160’
With ‘ES’ blindstamp lower right
Published by George J. Goodstadt, Inc., New York
Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed, numbered and dated by the publisher, George J. Goodstadt
Full margins with deckled edges
Plate dimensions: 12 5/8 x 9 ¼ in. (31.9 x 23.5 cm.)
Sheet dimensions: 19 x 15 in. (48.3 x 38.1 cm.)
Very good condition

Depicting Marlon Brando in the 1953 film “The Wild One”, Al Hirschfeld captures the actor’s iconic portrayal of motorcycle gang leader Johnny Strabler. His electrifying performance has come to define youthful restlessness rebellion in America and is tied to the character’s fashion – a black leather jacket, gloves and jaunty cap. Hirschfeld was noted for hiding his daughter’s name in many of his caricatures; “Nina” can be seen here in the sleeve folds of Brando’s jacket.

Executed in 1996, this etching on Arches is signed and numbered thirty from an edition of one hundred and sixty. With ‘ES’ blindstamp lower right, the work was published by George J. Goodstadt, Inc. This lot is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by the publisher. With full margins, the sheet measures 19 x 15 inches. Very slight yellowing to paper, otherwise in overall good condition with no evidence of tears or repairs.

Al Hirschfeld (American, 1903-2003)

Best known for his black and white portraits of celebrities and Broadway stars, caricaturist Al Hirschfeld’s work has appeared in almost every major publication of the twentieth century, including a seventy-five year relationship with The New York Times. Starting art lessons at the age of 12, Hirschfeld saw his first Broadway play in 1926. The sketch he made during this show appeared on the front page of The New York Herald Tribune. This spurred a career that spanned the rest of the twentieth century as he captured the vivid personalities of the theater in his linear calligraphic style. His works can be found in numerous public collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, the St. Louis Art Museum, and the National Portrait Gallery, London. The winner of two Tony Awards, Hirschfeld was also honored with the Medal of Arts from the National Endowment of the Arts, and had a Broadway theater named after him.